Volkswagen has extended its range of ID concepts to include a new 302bhp electric-powered SUV, known as the Roomzz. Unveiled at the Shanghai motor show, the contemporary seven-seater acts as a preview to a production model of similar size and shape Volkswagen says will be launched in 2021.
It’s a crucial part of the German car maker’s plan to become the world’s leading manufacturer of electric vehicles by the middle of the next decade. Set to be positioned above the upcoming production version of the Crozz and a more sporting Crozz Coupé, the Roomzz is said to offer interior space superior to that of the Volkswagen Touareg in a body measuring 4915mm in length, 1890mm in width and 1760mm in height.
Despite its status as a global car for the brand, Volkswagen sales and marketing boss Jurgen Stackmann claims that the European market "is not an immediate priority" for the ID Roomzz.
"Key markets for this car are China and North America. These two countries love space. I wouldn't reckon that ID Roomzz will be a core model [for Europe]". Stackmann went on to cite cars such as the ID hatchback and Tiguan-sized ID Crozz SUV as the core EV priorities for Europe.
However, VW's design boss Klaus Bischoff has since confirmed that it will indeed come to Europe, but markets such as China and the US will be prioritised first.
“The ID Roomzz shows us what we can expect from full-size electric SUVs in the future,” said Bischoff. “The puristic look emphasises the clear function and the user experience is intuitive and natural. Plenty of space inside allows for completely new seating configurations.”
The sixth ID concept is based on a new variant of VW’s MEB platform. It has a wheelbase of 2965mm – some 192mm longer than the Crozz’s but 135mm shorter than that of the Buzz.
Developed under the internal codename VW316 and previously dubbed ID Lounge, the Roomzz gets its own unique styling that Bischoff describes as featuring “seamless transitions of individual elements” for maximum aerodynamic efficiency.
Key cues include an almost completely enclosed front end featuring illuminated horizontal elements that act as a grille and extend outwards into in the outer edges of the headlights to provide the new SUV with exaggerated visual width. Also included is an illuminated VW badge – a feature Autocar can confirm will be offered as an option on all upcoming ID production models in markets where it is permitted.
